Fluid flow structure and method of use for continuous motion washing machine

Abstract

A fluid flow structure for a washing machine is located within a wash tank of the washing machine, which includes a fluid flow guide surface, and a support for the guide surface. The guide surface includes at least one region contoured inconsistently from the contour of at least one corresponding wall of the washing machine wash tank. The contour of the guide surface is generally curved so as to aide in reducing and/or preventing the pinning of items that often occurs in rectangular wash tanks of the prior art. The support for the guide surface creates a gap between the guide surface and at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A fluid flow structure for a washing machine wash tank the fluid flow structure comprising:
 a fluid flow guide surface, said guide surface being generally curved and including at least one region contoured inconsistently from the contour of at least one corresponding wall of the washing machine wash tank; and 
 a support for said guide surface, wherein said support creates a gap between said guide surface and an interior surface of at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank; 
 wherein said guide surface and/or said support are capable of flexible motion independent of the walls of the washing machine wash tank; 
 wherein said fluid flow structure is positioned to direct a portion of fluid along the fluid flow guide surface; 
 wherein said guide surface is removably positioned within the washing machine wash tank; and 
 wherein said support is removably positioned within the washing machine wash tank. 
 
     
     
       2. The fluid flow structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said flexible motion at least partially isolates impacts, noise or other vibrations acting on the guide surface from acting on the walls of the washing machine wash tank. 
     
     
       3. The fluid flow structure as claimed in  claim 1  wherein said guide surface and/or said support are made of a non-metallic flexible material that absorbs vibrations. 
     
     
       4. A washing machine comprising:
 a generally rectangular wash tank including a bottom wall, two side walls and two end walls extending upwardly from said bottom wall, said side walls being longer than said end walls; 
 at least one flow directional opening in at least one of said walls; 
 at least one fluid flow structure within said wash tank, the structure comprising:
 a fluid flow guide surface, said guide surface being generally curved and including at least one region contoured inconsistently from the contour of at least one corresponding wall of the washing machine wash tank; and 
 a support for said guide surface, wherein said support creates a gap between said guide surface and at least one wall of the washing machine wash tank; 
 wherein said fluid flow structure is positioned within the generally rectangular wash tank to direct a portion of fluid along the fluid flow guide surface. 
 
 
     
     
       5. The washing machine as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said fluid flow guide surface defines a washing area within said wash tank, said washing area being generally opposite said gap with respect to said fluid flow guide surface. 
     
     
       6. The washing machine as claimed in  claim 5  wherein said at least one flow directional opening introduces fluid within said washing area. 
     
     
       7. The washing machine as claimed in  claim 4  wherein said at least one flow directional opening comprises a plurality of flow directional openings positioned along one of said side walls. 
     
     
       8. The washing machine as claimed in  claim 7  further comprising:
 an intake positioned generally along one of said side walls; and 
 a divider member positioned between two of said flow directional openings. 
 
     
     
       9. The washing machine as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said divider member is held within a gap created between two adjacent fluid flow structures within the wash tank. 
     
     
       10. The washing machine as claimed in  claim 8  wherein said intake comprises a void within at least a portion of said gap.